Blood Sorrel [Rumex sanguineus]

The perennial blood sorrel is an ancient wild vegetable and medicinal plant from the Mediterranean climate. In contrast to sorrel, it only forms slightly sour leaves with blood-red veins. Suitable for meeting vitamin requirements, for blood purification treatments and many other applications. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn-winter, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
The blood sorrel is a perennial, ancient wild and medicinal plant from the Mediterranean climate. Today, this special, hardy plant can be found in the wild in western and central Europe in warm, moist deciduous forests with acidic soil. This type of dock forms pointed, oval, smooth and green leaves with blood-red veins. The taste is very pleasantly mild and, in contrast to sorrel, only forms slightly acidic leaves. Like many other types of dock, the blood dock can be eaten raw and sprouts again every year from a long, deep root. Due to its many healthy ingredients, this type is suitable for meeting vitamin requirements, for blood purification treatments and many other applications.

 General information 
Plant family: Polygonaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 25 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5 to 6

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 4-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 30 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Chives, Rosemary, Lavender, Fennel, Valerian
Unfavorable mixed culture: Tarragon

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from January to March or in autumn from October onwards. The ideal location for the plants is partial shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to April is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.

 General recommendations 
For a long harvest period, only harvest 1/4 of the leaves from the outside to the inside and be careful not to damage the heart in order to keep growth stable. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Blood sorrel prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Tolerates waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The pond bank is ideal due to the permanent soil moisture and is the first choice when looking for a location for dock. It can be kept in pots and prevents it from spreading. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Rumex sanguineus
English names: Blood sorrel, Blood dock
German names: Blutampfer
Portuguese names: Alazão de sangue, Alazão vermelho
Spanish names: Acedera de sangre
French names: Oseille de sang

 Origin 
Country: Portugal